Nutrients for Life Foundation

Nutrients for Life Foundation is, according to its website, "fertilizer professionals and others in the agricultural community who are deeply committed to educating the public about the positive role fertilizers play in our society." A press release identifies the group as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) "educational arm of the Fertilizer Institute," incorporated in Delaware. 

The foundation's 2005 IRS report gives as its name "the Fertilizer Education Foundation, Inc. DBA [doing business as] the Nutrients for Life Foundation." In fiscal year 2005, the group reported $1,471,700 in revenue. The IRS report also explains that "office personnel, supplies, services and office space [are] provided by the Fertilizer Institute," and that the foundation has "common board members and shared employees" with the Fertilizer Institute. 

Mission and program areas
The foundation's mission states: "We speak on behalf of ag professionals everywhere to ensure the public is informed of the contribution fertilizer makes to society; to explain the responsible intentions of the people who produce them; and to remind the world that fertilizers are truly the first link in the global food chain." 

According to the foundation's IRS report, one of its three program areas is "branding," described as conducting a "media audit" of coverage of fertilizers, to "identify media opportunities by better understanding of [sic] interest to key reporters." The foundation spent $113,704 on branding activities in fiscal year 2005. 

The second program area listed is developing "supplemental science curriculum materials for middle and high school teachers to improve the understanding of plant nutrients and their use in modern agriculture." Expenses in this area were $98,729. 

Lastly, the foundation made "various tools and resources ... available for use particularly by agricultural retailers and industry members who are seeking to foster a better understanding of fertilizers within their own community." Expenses in this area were $486,149. 

Anti-environmentalist rhetoric
One of the foundation's "educational videos" features "skeptical environmentalist" Bjorn Lomborg and environmental activist turned industry PR consultant Patrick Moore, supposedly "to shed some light about the environmental movement and its agenda." 

Fake news
A July 2007 press release states that the foundation funded a 2006 "satellite media tour featuring Rolling Stones keyboard artist Chuck Leavell. ... His tour included nationally syndicated radio, as well as national TV reports with ABC News Now and Associated Press TV. Additionally, he participated in interviews with local TV stations across the country." The ABC News clip on the group's website contains no disclosure to viewers, though the Nutrients for Life Foundation and its website is mentioned repeatedly in the segment. 

Smithsonian exhibit
Another July 2007 press release states that the Nutrients for Life Foundation along with Fertilizer Institute are major sponsors of a new Smithsonian Institution exhibit on soil. The groups "donated $1 million toward the exhibit's design and construction," reads a quote in the press release, attributed to Ford B. West of the Fertilizer Institute. "Considering that the exhibit will attract over 6 million visitors a year, we think it's a wise investment and strong reason for members of our industry to contribute even more toward our cause." 

Members and donors
From the group's website:
 * William J. Doyle - Foundation Chairman; President and CEO, PotashCorp
 * Michael L. Bennett - President and CEO, Terra Industries
 * Daniel Clauw - Executive VP and COO, Yara International ASA
 * Du Keping - President and CEO, Sinofert
 * Lawrence S. Hlobik - President and CEO, J.R. Simplot Company
 * Steve L. Packebush - President, Koch Nitrogen
 * James T. Thompson - Executive VP, The Mosaic Company
 * John Van Brunt - Director Emeritus, Agrium Inc.
 * Michael M. Wilson - President and CEO, Agrium Inc.
 * Stephen R. Wilson - President and CEO, CF Industries
 * Ford B. West - President, The Fertilizer Institute

Among the organization's listed donors are BP Products North America, CN, ConAgra International, CropLife America, Koch Mineral Services and Nitrogen Company, Monsanto, and Syngenta Crop Protection. 

Contact information
Attn: Kathy Mathers Nutrients for Life Foundation Union Center Plaza 820 First Street, NE Suite 430 Washington, DC 20002

Phone: (800) 962-9065 Email: info[AT]nutrientsforlife.org Website: http://www.nutrientsforlife.org

SourceWatch resources

 * Bjorn Lomborg
 * Industry-funded organizations
 * Patrick Moore
 * Smithsonian Institution